George Washington, the United States’ first president, was born on February 22, 1732. From 1879 till 1970, his birthday was celebrated on this date. However, in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed to give federal employees a three-day weekend, hence the celebration was moved to the third Monday in February.
The third Monday in February became known as Presidents’ Day, and this day is observed to remember all the U.S. presidents. Washington Day is also celebrated to honour Abraham Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays together, or any single president of choice.
Washington’s Birthday
Washington’s Day which is also known as the Presidents’ Day is an official holiday that is celebrated in the United States on the third Monday of February. It was initially initiated to honour George Washington, who was the first U.S. president and who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War. However, since 1879, it has been celebrated as a federal holiday.
Other states and cities also joined in celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, so they combined the two into Presidents’ Day.
This day is an official state holiday in most states, and it has different names such as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, President’s Day, Presidents Day, and Washington’s and Lincoln’s Birthday.
Observances and Traditions on Washington’s Birthday
One of the foods commonly associated with Washington’s birthday holiday is cherry pie. It is based on the legend of George Washington’s childhood story of chopping down a cherry tree.
In previous times, corporate businesses closed on this day, which is like the practices on Memorial Day or Christmas Day. But, after it was moved to the third Monday, most businesses now remain open, with many offering sales and other promotions.
Still, federal and state government services close, including the U.S. Postal Service, state Departments of Motor Vehicles, and federal and state courts.
Also, university and college class schedules vary depending on the school. Public elementary and secondary schools are always closed. But some school districts, like New York City, may close for an entire week as a “mid-winter recess”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington’s Birthday a Federal Holiday
Yes, George Birthday is celebrated as a federal holiday on the third Monday in February. It is one of the eleven permanent holidays that was established by Congress.
When Will Washington’s Birthday Be Celebrated In 2024?
Washington’s birth is celebrated on the third Monday in February every year. Hence, it will be celebrated on the 19th of February in 2024.
When is Washington’s birthday celebrated?
Washington’s birthday was first celebrated as a legal holiday in most states on February 22. However, it is currently observed every third Monday in February as a legal holiday.
